Mastering Mineiro Slang: 21 Expressions to Sound Like a Local in Minas Gerais

If you’re visiting Minas Gerais or simply want to blend in with the locals, learning the regional slang is key! Mineiro (from Minas Gerais) expressions are warm, funny, and often unique to the region. In this post, we’ve gathered 21 popular Mineiro expressions, with their literal translations, explanations, and examples in both Portuguese and English, to help you understand and use them naturally.

1. Uai

Literal Translation: No direct translation
Explanation: Uai is the most famous Mineiro expression. It can express surprise, doubt, or emphasis, similar to “What?”, “Of course!”, or “Really?” depending on the context.

Example 1 (Surprise):
Portuguese: “Uai, você já chegou?”
English: “What? You’re already here?”
Context: Expressing surprise at someone arriving early.

Example 2 (Emphasis):
Portuguese: “Uai, se tá certo, então faz!”
English: “Well, if it’s right, then do it!”
Context: Encouraging someone to act.

Example 3 (Doubt):
Portuguese: “Uai, será que isso vai dar certo?”
English: “Hmmm, do you think this will work?”
Context: Expressing skepticism.

2. Trem

Literal Translation: Train
Explanation: In Minas Gerais, trem can refer to anything—an object, a situation, or even an event. It’s similar to “thing”.

Example 1 (Object):
Portuguese: “Me passa aquele trem ali?”
English: “Can you hand me that thing over there?”
Context: Referring to an unnamed object.

Example 2 (Situation):
Portuguese: “Esse trem de estudar todo dia tá difícil.”
English: “This whole studying thing every day is tough.”
Context: Describing a difficult routine.

Example 3 (General use):
Portuguese: “Tava um trem esquisito lá na rua!”
English: “There was something weird happening in the street!”
Context: Talking about something odd.

3. Bão

Literal Translation: Good
Explanation: Bão is the Mineiro way of saying “bom”, which means “good.” It’s widely used in casual speech.

Example 1 (Greeting):
Portuguese: “E aí, cê tá bão?”
English: “Hey, you doing good?”
Context: Informal greeting.

Example 2 (Approving something):
Portuguese: “Esse café tá bão demais!”
English: “This coffee is really good!”
Context: Complimenting something tasty.

Example 3 (Agreeing):
Portuguese: “Amanhã a gente se vê então? Bão!”
English: “So we’ll meet tomorrow? Sounds good!”
Context: Confirming a plan.

4. Cê

Literal Translation: You
Explanation: Cê is a shortened form of “você”, which means “you”. It’s extremely common in Minas Gerais.

Example 1 (Casual question):
Portuguese: “Cê vai sair hoje?”
English: “Are you going out today?”
Context: Asking someone’s plans.

Example 2 (Giving advice):
Portuguese: “Cê devia descansar um pouco.”
English: “You should rest a little.”
Context: Suggesting rest to a tired person.

Example 3 (Friendly statement):
Portuguese: “Cê é gente boa demais!”
English: “You’re such a great person!”
Context: Complimenting a friend.

5. Sô

Literal Translation: No direct translation
Explanation: Sô is used for emphasis or as a filler, similar to “man” or “dude”. It often follows words or phrases in casual speech.

Example 1 (Friendly talk):
Portuguese: “Cê tá bão, sô?”
English: “You good, man?”
Context: Checking in on someone.

Example 2 (Surprise):
Portuguese: “Que trem esquisito, sô!”
English: “That thing is so weird, man!”
Context: Reacting to something unusual.

Example 3 (Affectionate teasing):
Portuguese: “Ô menino danado, sô!”
English: “Oh, you little troublemaker, dude!”
Context: Teasing someone in a friendly way.

6. Arreda

Literal Translation: Move over
Explanation: Means “scoot over” or “move aside.”

Example 1 (Making space):
Portuguese: “Arreda aí pra eu sentar!”
English: “Move over so I can sit!”
Context: Asking for space.

Example 2 (Getting through):
Portuguese: “Arreda que eu tô passando!”
English: “Move aside, I’m passing!”
Context: Asking someone to step aside.

Example 3 (Helping someone move):
Portuguese: “Arreda essa cadeira pra cá.”
English: “Move that chair over here.”
Context: Asking someone to reposition something.

7. Num dô conta

Literal Translation: I can’t handle it
Explanation: Used to say you can’t manage something, like “I can’t deal with this.”

Example 1 (Too hard):
Portuguese: “Essa prova tá difícil demais, num dô conta!”
English: “This test is too hard, I can’t handle it!”
Context: Expressing difficulty.

Example 2 (Too much effort):
Portuguese: “Acordar cedo todo dia? Num dô conta não!”
English: “Waking up early every day? I just can’t!”
Context: Complaining about an exhausting routine.

Example 3 (Overwhelmed):
Portuguese: “Essa novela é tão triste, num dô conta de assistir!”
English: “This soap opera is so sad, I can’t handle watching it!”
Context: Saying something is emotionally difficult.

8. Chegar chegando

Literal Translation: Arrive arriving
Explanation: Means arriving with a strong presence or making an entrance.

Example 1 (Confident arrival):
Portuguese: “Ela chegou chegando na festa, toda arrumada!”
English: “She made a grand entrance at the party, all dressed up!”
Context: Describing someone making an impact.

Example 2 (Being noticed):
Portuguese: “Se eu for nesse evento, vou chegar chegando!”
English: “If I go to this event, I’ll make sure I stand out!”
Context: Talking about making an impression.

Example 3 (Big entrance):
Portuguese: “O time chegou chegando no campeonato!”
English: “The team made a strong entrance in the championship!”
Context: Talking about an impressive start.

9. Cumê quieto

Literal Translation: Eat quietly
Explanation: Describes someone who is smart, strategic, and doesn’t brag about their plans—similar to “playing it cool” or “low-key” in English.

Example 1 (Business success):
Portuguese: “Ele abriu três lojas esse ano e ninguém nem percebeu. Sabe cumê quieto!”
English: “He opened three stores this year, and no one even noticed. He knows how to play it cool!”
Context: Talking about someone discreetly successful.

Example 2 (Winning without showing off):
Portuguese: “Ela nunca fala nada, mas sempre tira as melhores notas. É do tipo que cumê quieto!”
English: “She never says anything, but she always gets the best grades. She’s the low-key type!”
Context: Describing a quiet achiever.

Example 3 (Being discreet):
Portuguese: “Fiz um investimento bom esse mês, mas prefiro cumê quieto.”
English: “I made a good investment this month, but I’d rather keep it low-key.”
Context: Keeping personal successes private.

10. Espia

Literal Translation: Spy
Explanation: A Mineiro way to say “Look!” or “Check this out!”

Example 1 (Pointing something out):
Portuguese: “Espia só aquele carro bonito!”
English: “Look at that beautiful car!”
Context: Calling attention to something cool.

Example 2 (Telling someone to pay attention):
Portuguese: “Espia bem como ele faz, depois é sua vez!”
English: “Watch closely how he does it, then it’s your turn!”
Context: Asking someone to observe and learn.

Example 3 (Seeing something strange):
Portuguese: “Espia ali, que coisa mais esquisita!”
English: “Look over there, what a weird thing!”
Context: Noticing something unusual.

11. Cismado

Literal Translation: Suspicious
Explanation: Describes someone who is distrustful, uncertain, or even obsessed with something.

Example 1 (Suspicious feeling):
Portuguese: “Tô meio cismado com esse negócio, não sei se dá certo.”
English: “I’m kinda suspicious about this thing, not sure if it’ll work.”
Context: Expressing doubt.

Example 2 (Obsessed with an idea):
Portuguese: “Ele cismou que quer trocar de carro, agora não fala de outra coisa!”
English: “He got it in his head that he wants to change his car, now he won’t stop talking about it!”
Context: When someone fixates on something.

Example 3 (Worried about someone):
Portuguese: “Minha mãe tá cismada comigo, acha que eu tô aprontando.”
English: “My mom is suspicious of me, she thinks I’m up to something.”
Context: When someone assumes the worst.

12. Largar de mão

Literal Translation: Let go of the hand
Explanation: Means to give up on something or someone.

Example 1 (Quitting a habit):
Portuguese: “Tentei tocar violão, mas larguei de mão, não tenho paciência.”
English: “I tried playing the guitar, but I gave up—I have no patience.”
Context: Talking about giving up on learning something.

Example 2 (Stopping a friendship):
Portuguese: “Já falei pra ele mudar, mas não adianta. Vou largar de mão!”
English: “I’ve already told him to change, but it’s useless. I’m done!”
Context: Giving up on convincing someone.

Example 3 (No longer worrying about something):
Portuguese: “Esse carro vive quebrando. Melhor largar de mão e vender logo!”
English: “This car keeps breaking down. Better just give up and sell it!”
Context: When something isn’t worth the trouble anymore.

13. Dar uma carreirinha

Literal Translation: Take a little run
Explanation: Means to go somewhere quickly, similar to “make a quick run”.

Example 1 (Quick errand):
Portuguese: “Vou dar uma carreirinha ali na padaria e já volto!”
English: “I’ll make a quick run to the bakery and be right back!”
Context: Running a short errand.

Example 2 (Fast trip):
Portuguese: “Dá tempo de dar uma carreirinha na casa da minha tia antes da festa.”
English: “We have time to make a quick stop at my aunt’s house before the party.”
Context: Making a brief visit.

Example 3 (Speeding up):
Portuguese: “Se você der uma carreirinha, chega lá rapidinho!”
English: “If you pick up the pace, you’ll get there fast!”
Context: Encouraging someone to hurry up.

14. Tá intendo?

Literal Translation: Are you understanding?
Explanation: A Mineiro way of saying “Do you get it?” or “You know what I mean?”

Example 1 (Checking if someone understood):
Portuguese: “Se você virar aqui, chega mais rápido, tá intendo?”
English: “If you turn here, you’ll get there faster, you get it?”
Context: Explaining a shortcut.

Example 2 (Trying to convince someone):
Portuguese: “Café coado na hora é muito melhor, tá intendo?”
English: “Freshly brewed coffee is way better, you know what I mean?”
Context: Persuading someone.

Example 3 (Explaining rules):
Portuguese: “O jogo funciona assim: quem errar, sai. Tá intendo?”
English: “The game works like this: if you mess up, you’re out. Got it?”
Context: Clarifying a game rule.

15. Num é?

Literal Translation: Isn’t it?
Explanation: Used to agree with someone or emphasize a statement.

Example 1 (Agreeing):
Portuguese: “Esse pão de queijo tá bom demais, num é?”
English: “This pão de queijo is amazing, right?”
Context: Looking for agreement.

Example 2 (Confirming a fact):
Portuguese: “A estrada tá cheia hoje, num é?”
English: “The road is packed today, isn’t it?”
Context: Observing something together.

Example 3 (Reacting to something surprising):
Portuguese: “Ele trocou de carro de novo! Num é?”
English: “He changed his car again! Can you believe it?”
Context: Expressing shock.

16. Véi

Literal Translation: Old man
Explanation: Similar to “dude” or “bro,” véi is used to refer to anyone, regardless of age or gender.

Example 1 (Calling a friend):
Portuguese: “Ô véi, bora sair hoje?”
English: “Hey dude, let’s go out today?”
Context: Casual conversation with a friend.

Example 2 (Reacting to something shocking):
Portuguese: “Véi, cê viu o preço da gasolina?!”
English: “Dude, did you see the price of gas?!”
Context: Expressing surprise.

Example 3 (Complaining about something):
Portuguese: “Ô véi, essa fila tá demorando demais!”
English: “Man, this line is taking forever!”
Context: Expressing frustration.

17. Trem bão

Literal Translation: Good train
Explanation: Trem (train) is already a Mineiro word for “thing.” When combined with bão (good), it means “something really nice.”

Example 1 (Enjoying food):
Portuguese: “Esse queijo é um trem bão demais!”
English: “This cheese is really good!”
Context: Complimenting food.

Example 2 (Talking about a positive experience):
Portuguese: “A viagem foi um trem bão, viu?”
English: “The trip was really good, you know?”
Context: Describing an enjoyable trip.

Example 3 (Praising someone):
Portuguese: “Aquele cara é um trem bão, sempre ajuda todo mundo.”
English: “That guy is a really good person, he always helps everyone.”
Context: Admiring someone’s kindness.

18. Ôh, coitado

Literal Translation: Oh, poor thing
Explanation: Used to express sarcasm or pity, depending on the tone.

Example 1 (Genuine sympathy):
Portuguese: “Ele perdeu o ônibus e teve que ir a pé. Ôh, coitado!”
English: “He missed the bus and had to walk. Oh, poor guy!”
Context: Expressing real pity for someone.

Example 2 (Sarcastic reaction):
Portuguese: “Tá reclamando do calor? Ôh, coitado, experimenta trabalhar no sol!”
English: “You’re complaining about the heat? Oh, poor thing, try working under the sun!”
Context: Using sarcasm to dismiss someone’s complaint.

Example 3 (Mocking someone):
Portuguese: “Ele disse que tá cansado. Ôh, coitado, trabalhou 3 horas e já quer folga!”
English: “He said he’s tired. Oh, poor thing, worked three hours and already wants a break!”
Context: Playfully mocking someone for exaggerating.

19. Mexer com alguém

Literal Translation: Mess with someone
Explanation: Means to tease or flirt—depending on the context.

Example 1 (Flirting):
Portuguese: “Ele vive mexendo com ela na escola.”
English: “He’s always flirting with her at school.”
Context: Talking about someone being playful in a romantic way.

Example 2 (Friendly teasing):
Portuguese: “Para de mexer comigo, sô!”
English: “Stop messing with me, dude!”
Context: Reacting to friendly jokes.

Example 3 (Annoying someone):
Portuguese: “Meu irmão mais novo adora mexer comigo.”
English: “My little brother loves teasing me.”
Context: Talking about sibling teasing.

20. Cagado de sorte

Literal Translation: Covered in luck
Explanation: Used to describe someone who is ridiculously lucky.

Example 1 (Winning a prize):
Portuguese: “Cê viu que ele ganhou a rifa de novo? Esse cara é cagado de sorte!”
English: “Did you see he won the raffle again? That guy is insanely lucky!”
Context: When someone always wins things.

Example 2 (Narrow escape):
Portuguese: “Quase bati o carro, mas consegui desviar. Fui cagado de sorte!”
English: “I almost crashed my car, but I managed to avoid it. I was so lucky!”
Context: Talking about a close call.

Example 3 (Lucky in love):
Portuguese: “Ele começou a namorar a menina mais bonita da escola. Cagado de sorte!”
English: “He started dating the prettiest girl in school. What a lucky guy!”
Context: Talking about luck in relationships.

21. Num guento

Literal Translation: I can’t stand it
Explanation: A fun and exaggerated way to say “I can’t handle this”—often used for cute, funny, or surprising things.

Example 1 (Seeing something cute):
Portuguese: “Olha esse filhote de cachorro! Ai, num guento!”
English: “Look at this puppy! Oh, I can’t handle it!”
Context: Reacting to something adorable.

Example 2 (Laughing too much):
Portuguese: “Essa piada foi boa demais, num guento!”
English: “That joke was too funny, I can’t handle it!”
Context: Expressing that something was too funny.

Example 3 (Seeing something shocking):
Portuguese: “Ele apareceu na festa com uma fantasia de dinossauro. Num guento!”
English: “He showed up to the party in a dinosaur costume. I can’t deal with this!”
Context: Reacting to something unexpected and funny.

Conclusion

Now that you’ve mastered all 21 Mineiro slang expressions, you can talk like a true local in Belo Horizonte, Ouro Preto, or any small town in Minas Gerais!

From the classic “Uai” and “Trem” to the funny “Num guento” and “Cagado de sorte,” these expressions are part of the charm of Minas Gerais.

Next time you’re in Minas, order a pão de queijo, drop a “Uai, sô”, and you’ll feel like a real Mineiro! 😉

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